Activities

5-day workshop, August 4 - August 8, 2025. $1,423 registration (includes lunch daily). Applications close on July 23, 2025 or when maximum number of 12 attendees is reached. Join us for a 5-day workshop focused on developing a unique and expressive approach to abstraction. Using acrylics and R&F pigment sticks, you’ll learn techniques for creating compositions with dynamic movement and rich color depth through layering and texturing. This immersive experience will guide you in building a personal visual language through mark-making, shape exploration, and richly layered surfaces that convey a vibrant sense of aliveness. Classes begin at 9am with a lunch break from 12.30 - 1.30pm and finish at 5pm. An email with property information and further details will be sent out approximately 6 weeks before workshop commences. Register here: https://www.willowpondslo.com/2025-workshops/p/exploring-abstraction

5-Day workshop with Judith Kruger September 15 - September 19, 2025 $1,373 includes lunch daily Applications close on August 10, 2025 or when maximum number of 12 attendees is reached. In this course, students will reinterpret nature’s deep imagery and essence employing matter from nature itself, within a limited earthy palette. Paint, ink, and homemade gesso will be made from inorganic and organic sources including pine soot, tree resin, insect, shells, and earth minerals. Metallic leafing and alchemic oxidation techniques will be introduced for warmth and depth. These arcane processes have been employed for thousands of years on cave walls, Asian scrolls, and aboriginal works. Painting and collage techniques will be covered to cultivate individualized expression in mixed media. We will work on a variety of Eastern and Western papers as well as wood panels. Eastern paper sizing, backing, and mounting techniques will be covered. This meaningful, process-driven, ecological (non-toxic, water-based) work truly nurtures the heart and spirit. Abstractionists and realists at all skill levels are welcome. Register here: https://www.willowpondslo.com/2025-workshops/p/abstract-alchemy

4-Day workshop, Friday, July 11- Monday, July 14. 2025 $1,153 registration (includes lunch daily). Applications close on May 30, 2025 or when maximum number of 12 attendees is reached. In this workshop you’ll be leveling up your Urban Sketching skills and push them in a new direction! You will learn how to make sketches with impact to express your point of view. You will sketch a variety of subject matter ranging from nature and cityscapes all the way to faces. Learn how to make your sketches be more than “just” a pretty picture. You will start to see sketching as an adventure where you go into the world to capture your experiences and record YOUR stories. With this in mind, we will always combine the technical side with a storytelling aspect. This workshop will be largely held outside. Register here: https://www.willowpondslo.com/2025-workshops/p/urban-sketching-masterclass

4-day workshop from August 15 - August 18, 2025. Fee: $1,014, includes lunch daily. Applications close on July 15, 2025, or when the maximum number of 12 attendees is reached. In this intermediate/advanced workshop you will sample multiple ways to take your 3D needle felting to the next level. Stephanie Metz incorporates techniques from other sculpture traditions (working in clay, carving stone, and joining metal) to reframe your thinking about needle felting. You’ll go home with a handful of small samples and a ton of ideas. Register here: https://www.willowpondslo.com/2025-workshops/p/needle-felting

4-Day workshop,Thursday, May 29 - Sunday, June 1. 2025. Applications close on April 29, 2025 or when maximum number of attendees is reached. Registration: $1,116 (includes lunch daily). Take a deep dive into fiber art through collage and materiality during this 4-day workshop retreat. Explore the nature of textured paper combined with foraged materials, thread, ink and dye. What to bring: A foraging bag for collecting inclusions from surrounding areas, Hand clippers, Apron, Your favorite decorative paper, thread, photos, mono prints and calligraphy brush. Register here: https://www.willowpondslo.com/2025-workshops/p/sensing-place-through-fiber-paper-collage